Myra Kearney

November 9, 2011

Myra F. Kearney, a resident of Kettle Falls, passed away on Nov. 4, 2011 in Colville at the age of 86. She was born on August 10, 1925 in College View, NE, the daughter of Homer and Olive (Boutelle) Saxton.
Myra began her life in Nebraska until the 1930â€™s â€śDust Bowlâ€ť forced her family to move to Washington State in 1933, in the 1930â€™s version of a covered wagon. The family had tried to stay, but the relentless elements consumed their money and food supply. They settled in the Barstow area in 1938 and lived on a ranch near the Barstow Bridge, where Myra and her brother Bill began attending the Barstow School. Myra graduated from Colville High School in 1943.
She married Orvis Kearney, on April 5, 1947 and they lived in Spokane until 1964, when they moved to Wood Village, OR. She worked in the Portland area as a clerk at J.C. Penney and Sears, and also at Eastmoreland Hospital and Providence Hospital as a unit secretary and in admissions. Myra moved back into the Barstow area in 2004.
Myraâ€™s parents were active, respected members of the commuÂ­nity. Her father, Homer Saxton, was an area preacher doing many local weddings, and served as an early Master of the Kettle River Grange. Olive Saxton, Myraâ€™s mother, taught in several loÂ­cal schools and is remembered as a stern, but capable teacher who cared about her students.
Myra was talented and artistic, creating and painting ceramic sculptures for her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time outside, especially gardening. Myra loved animals, especially having dogs, cats and horses around. Most of all, Myra loved and treasured all the times she was able to spend with her famÂ­ily.
Myra was preceded in death by her brother, William Saxton.
She is survived by her husband, Orvis Kearney, Gresham, OR; sons, Elton Kearney and wife Mâ€™Lynn, Kettle Falls; and Wayne Kearney and wife Leslie, Oregon City, OR; her daughter, Denise Boston and husband Ken, Wood Village; her grandchildren, John, Dan, Austin, Clairen, William, Moriah, Gavin, Christina, Marcus, Tim, Kaylee and Josh.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Kettle River Grange in Barstow.
Burial will be at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
The Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Colville has been entrusted with arrangements.